Congratulations Australia!

The Australian Olive Association has reported that the 2011 harvest has produced just over 16 million litres of olive oil - so fire up the barbie! Victoria is the highest producing state responsible for over 10 million litres.

Whilst production is slightly down on predictions, due in part to the heat and heavy flooding earlier in the year, the good news is that over 80% of this olive oil meets the extra virgin classification.

Australian Olive Oil Standards

Olive oil producers in Australia are welcoming the introduction last week of voluntary new standards which will ensure more accurate labelling of olive oil (both home produced and imported). These provide a clear definition what can be classified as Extra Virgin Olive Oil and producers will need to verify their oil production methods in order to use terms such as  first extraction and cold pressed. Bottles will also be required to carry a 'best before' date that has been accurately formulated. The industry, represented by the Australian Olive Association gave a welcome to the standards which have come about after a lengthy, ten year, consultation process.